Control device, communication terminal, control method, non-transitory computer readable medium, mme, and base station for controlling a transmission resource using a communication pattern (cp) parameter

ABSTRACT

An object is to provide a control device which can control, in consideration of a traffic characteristic of an application operating between an application server and a communication terminal, traffic or a data amount transferred on a core network. A control device (10) according to the present example embodiment includes: a communication unit (12) configured to receive, via a service control device (20) which authenticates an application server (30) providing a service for a communication terminal (50), information relating to a transmittable data amount determined in the application server (30); and a control unit (11) configured to execute, by using the information relating to the transmittable data amount, traffic control on data transmitted from the communication terminal (50).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/636,809 filed on Feb. 5, 2020, which is aNational Stage Entry of international application PCT/JP2018/029614filed on Aug. 7, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-153290 filed on Aug. 8, 2017, thedisclosures of all of which are incorporated in their entirety byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a control device, a communicationterminal, a control method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, there has been studied communication which uses ageneral mobile network, thus requires no human operation, and istargeted for not only a normal mobile phone, but also a device such as adata terminal, a sensor, a vending machine, or an automobile. A deviceto be targeted herein is referred to as, for example, an Internet ofThings (IoT) terminal, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, orthe like.

An IoT terminal is expected to rapidly increase in the future. Thus, amobile network is required to efficiently transfer data relating to anIoT terminal, and further avoid generation of congestion or the like.Non Patent Literature 1 discloses that an application server transmits,to a service capability exposure function (SCEF) entity (hereinafter,referred to as an SCEF), information relating to a threshold value of adata amount predetermined for each communication terminal equivalent toan IoT terminal. Moreover, Non Patent Literature 1 discloses that theSCEF performs traffic control, based on a threshold value. Trafficcontrol may be, for example, refusing to transfer data exceeding thethreshold value.

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

-   [Non Patent Literature 1] 3GPP TS 23.682 V 15.1.0 (2017-06) 5.12

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The SCEF disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1 is disposed in a corenetwork, and has an interface or a reference point for communicatingwith an application server. Thus, inflow of a large amount of data fromthe application server into the core network can be prevented byperforming traffic control independently defined by the SCEF. As aresult, consumption of a large amount of a resource in the core networkcan be prevented. However, in the traffic control independentlyimplemented by the SCEF, the SCEF determines, based on the independentdefinition, transmission refusal of data generated by the applicationserver, and therefore, there is a possibility that the applicationserver performs retransmission of data. As a result, there is a concernthat a further increase in traffic is incurred. On the other hand, evenwhen data are transmitted from a communication terminal to theapplication server, information relating to the traffic controlindependently defined by the SCEF is previously sent to thecommunication terminal. Thus, inflow of a large amount of data from thecommunication terminal into the core network can be prevented. As aresult, consumption of a large amount of a resource in the core networkcan be prevented. However, independent traffic control implemented bythe communication terminal is only determination, by the communicationterminal, of transmission refusal of data to be transmitted as anapplication. In this case, a service itself provided by the applicationmay not function normally. Hence, a related art disclosed in Non PatentLiterature 1 has a problem that traffic or a data amount transferred onthe core network is not controlled in consideration of a trafficcharacteristic of an application operating between the applicationserver and the communication terminal.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device, acommunication terminal, a control method, and a program which cancontrol, in consideration of a traffic characteristic of an applicationoperating between an application server and the communication terminal,traffic or a data amount transferred on a core network.

Solution to Problem

A control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosureincludes: a communication unit configured to receive, via a servicecontrol device which authenticates an application server providing aservice to a communication terminal, information relating to atransmittable data amount determined in the application server; and acontrol unit configured to execute, by using the information relating tothe transmittable data amount, traffic control on data transmitted fromthe communication terminal.

A communication terminal according to a second aspect of the presentdisclosure includes: a communication unit configured to receive, via aservice control device and a control device which authenticate anapplication server providing a service to the communication terminal,information relating to a transmittable data amount determined in theapplication server; and a control unit configured to execute, by usingthe information relating to the transmittable data amount, trafficcontrol on data to be transmitted.

A control method according to a third aspect of the present disclosureincludes: receiving, via a service control device which authenticates anapplication server providing a service to a communication terminal,information relating to a transmittable data amount determined in theapplication server; and executing, by using the information relating tothe transmittable data amount, traffic control on data transmitted fromthe communication terminal.

A program according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure causesa computer to execute: receiving, via a service control device whichauthenticates an application server providing a service to acommunication terminal, information relating to a transmittable dataamount determined in the application server; and executing, by using theinformation relating to the transmittable data amount, traffic controlon data transmitted from the communication terminal.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present disclosure can provide a control device, a communicationterminal, a control method, and a program which can control, inconsideration of a traffic characteristic of an application operatingbetween an application server and the communication terminal, traffic ora data amount transferred on a core network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according toExample Embodiment 1;

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according toExample Embodiment 2;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating flow of processing of sendinginformation relating to a transmission data amount according to ExampleEmbodiment 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram describing a CP parameter according to ExampleEmbodiment 2;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of UE according to Example Embodiment2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating flow of processing of sendinginformation relating to a transmission data amount according to amodification example of Example Embodiment 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating flow of processing of sendinginformation relating to a transmission data amount according to ExampleEmbodiment 3;

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according toExample Embodiment 4;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating flow of processing of sendinginformation relating to a transmission data amount according to ExampleEmbodiment 4;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating flow of processing of sendinginformation relating to a transmission data amount according to ExampleEmbodiment 4;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating flow of processing of sendinginformation relating to a transmission data amount according to amodification example of Example Embodiment 4;

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of UE according to each exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a control device according to eachexample embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Example Embodiment 1

Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described with reference to thedrawings. A configuration example of a communication system according toExample Embodiment 1 is described by using FIG. 1. The communicationsystem in FIG. 1 includes a control device 10, a service control device20, an application server 30, a base station 40, and a communicationterminal 50. The control device 10, the service control device 20, theapplication server 30, the base station 40, and the communicationterminal 50 may be computer devices which a processor operates byexecuting a program stored in a memory. Moreover, the control device 10and the service control device 20 may be each referred to as a corenetwork device disposed in a core network.

The application server 30 provides a service to the communicationterminal 50. The service may be, for example, an application service,and an IoT service, or the like.

The service control device 20 authenticates the application server 30.Specifically, the service control device 20 may determine whether or notthe application server 30 is an application server permitted to providea service to the communication terminal 50. For example, the servicecontrol device 20 may hold list information of an application serverpermitted to provide a service to the communication terminal 50.

The service control device 20 is disposed in a mobile network includingthe control device 10 and the base station 40, and performscommunication with the application server 30 disposed outside the mobilenetwork. It can also be said that the service control device 20 isdisposed in the core network together with the control device 10, andperforms communication with the application server 30 disposed outsidethe core network.

Now, a configuration example of the control device 10 is described. Thecontrol device 10 includes a control unit 11 and a communication unit12. A component configuring the control device 10, such as the controlunit 11 and the communication unit 12, may be software or a module withwhich a processor executes processing by executing a program stored in amemory. Alternatively, a component configuring the control device 10 maybe hardware such as a circuit or a chip.

The communication unit 12 receives, via the service control device 20,information relating to a transmittable data amount determined in theapplication server 30. Information relating to a transmittable dataamount may be, for example, a rate quota, a byte quota, rate control, ora charging policy. Alternatively, information relating to atransmittable data amount may include more than one of a rate quota, abyte quota, rate control, or a charging policy. A rate quota, a bytequota, and rate control are information indicating a data amounttransmittable by the communication terminal 50 in a predeterminedperiod, or information indicating the number of messages fortransferring data. Moreover, a rate quota, a byte quota, and ratecontrol may include a data amount receivable by the communicationterminal 50 in a predetermined period, or information relating to thenumber of messages for receiving data. A predetermined period may be,for example, one month, one week, one day, one hour, or the like. A ratequota and a byte quota may be each represented as an APN rate. Acharging policy may be information relating to a remaining transmittabledata amount when the communication terminal 50 is a prepaid-compatibleterminal, and an upper limit value of a transmittable data amount isdetermined. Moreover, uplink data, downlink data, and a rated valuespecific to each piece of information may be set for a rate quota, abyte quota, and rate control. Uplink data are data transferred from thecommunication terminal 50 toward the application server 30. Downlinkdata are data transferred from the application server 30 toward thecommunication terminal 50. Hereinafter, four pieces of informationincluding a rate quota for uplink data, a rate quota for downlink data,a byte quota for uplink data, and a byte quota for downlink data may becollectively represented as a quota. Note that information relating to atransmittable data amount may include a tariff. The tariff may includeinformation relating to a transmittable data amount, the number oftransmittable messages, a receivable data amount, or the number ofreceivable messages.

Information relating to a transmittable data amount differs depending ona service provided by the application server 30. Thus, the applicationserver 30 determines a transmittable data amount for each communicationterminal 50. Note that the application server 30 is disposed outside themobile network. In other words, the application server 30 may be managedby a carrier differing from a carrier managing the mobile network. Thus,from the perspective of security and the like, the control device 10does not directly receive information relating to a transmittable dataamount from the application server 30, but receives information relatingto a transmittable data amount from the application server 30 via theservice control device 20. As described above, the service controldevice 20 can determine whether information from the application server30 is reliable, by having a function of authenticating the applicationserver 30.

The control unit 11 executes, by using information relating to atransmittable data amount, traffic control on data transmitted from thecommunication terminal 50. Traffic control may be achieved byfine-tuning, to an appropriate value, a transmission rate applied totransmission of data, based on information relating to a transmittabledata amount. In this case, the control unit 11 may raise or lower, froma current value, a transmission rate applied to transmission of dataexceeding the transmittable data amount, in such a way as to satisfy thetransmittable data amount. Moreover, traffic control may be refusingtransmission of data exceeding the transmittable data amount, when atotal of data transmitted from the communication terminal 50 exceeds thetransmittable data amount. In such a case, the control unit 11 may notperform transmission of data exceeding the transmittable data amount.Alternatively, traffic control may lower, from a current value, atransmission rate applied to transmission of data exceeding thetransmittable data amount, when a total of data transmitted from thecommunication terminal 50 exceeds the transmittable data amount.

As described above, the control device 10 according to ExampleEmbodiment 1 can receive, via the service control device 20, informationrelating to a transmittable data amount determined in the applicationserver 30. Further, the control device 10 can execute, by using thereceived information relating to the transmittable data amount, trafficcontrol on data transmitted from the communication terminal 50. As aresult, in a mobile network, traffic or a data amount transferred on acore network can be controlled, in consideration of a trafficcharacteristic of an application operating between the applicationserver 30 and the communication terminal 50. By performing such control,the control device 10 according to Example Embodiment 1 can reduce apossibility of occurrence of a problem that a service itself provided bythe application fails to operate. The problem that a service itselfprovided by the application fails to operate is caused by performingtraffic control which does not consider a traffic characteristic of anapplication operating between the application server 30 and thecommunication terminal 50.

Furthermore, the function of the control device 10 described in FIG. 1may be installed in the base station 40. In other words, the basestation 40 may receive information relating to a transmittable dataamount from the service control device 20, and perform traffic control,based on the received information relating to the transmittable dataamount.

Example Embodiment 2

Now, a configuration diagram of a communication system according toExample Embodiment 2 is described by using FIG. 2. The communicationsystem in FIG. 2 includes user equipment (UE) 60, an evolved Node B(eNB) 70, a serving gateway (SGW) 80, a packet data network gateway(PGW) 90, a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) entity 95(hereinafter, referred to as a PCRF 95), a mobility management entity(MME) 100, a service capability exposure function (SCEF) entity 110(hereinafter, referred to as an SCEF 110), a home subscriber server(HSS) 120, and an application server (AS) 130.

The SGW 80, the PGW 90, the PCRF 95, the MME 100, the SCEF 110, and theHSS 120 are node devices configuring an evolved packet core (EPC). TheEPC is equivalent to a core network. Moreover, the SGW 80, the PGW 90,and the MME 100 are equivalent to a control device 10 in FIG. 1.

The UE 60 is a generic term of a communication terminal in 3GPP, and isequivalent to a communication terminal 50 in FIG. 1. The UE 60 may be anIoT terminal or an MTC terminal. The eNB 70 is a base station whichsupports long term evolution (LTE) as a wireless communication method,and is equivalent to a base station 40 in FIG. 1. The UE 60 performs,for example, wireless communication using the eNB 70 and LTE.

The SGW 80 is disposed between the eNB 70 and the PGW 90, and relaysuser data. User data may be referred to as user (U)—plane data. The PGW90 is a gateway to an external network differing from the EPC, andperforms communication with the AS 130 disposed on the external network.The external network may be, for example, a network managed by a carriersuch as an application provider, or a packet data network (PDN). The PGW90 is disposed between the AS 130 and the SGW 80, and relays user data.The SGW 80 and the PGW 90 may execute traffic control on user datatransmitted from the UE 60.

The MME 100 performs management and control of mobility of the UE 60.The MME 100 is connected to the eNB 70. The MME 100 relays control databetween a node device in the core network, and the eNB 70.Alternatively, the MME 100 transmits control data generated in the localdevice to the eNB 70 or the node device in the core network. Controldata may be referred to as control (C)—plane data. Moreover, it is knownthat data used for an IoT service transferred between the UE 60 and theAS 130 has a small capacity and data size, as compared with general userdata. Thus, data used for an IoT service may be transferred as controldata between the AS 130 and the UE 60 via the SCEF 110, the MME 100, andthe eNB 70. Data used for an IoT service may be referred to as, forexample, small data. The MME 100 may execute traffic control on smalldata transmitted as control data from the UE 60. The MME 100 receives,via the SCEF 110, information relating to a transmittable data amountdetermined in an application server 30. Then, the MME 100 executestraffic control on the data transmitted from the UE 60, by usinginformation relating to a transmittable data amount.

The SCEF 110 executes authentication or the like relating to the AS 130disposed on the external network. Further, the SCEF 110 transmits, tothe AS 130, a parameter relating to the UE 60. The parameter relating tothe UE 60 may be, for example, a parameter required for the AS 130 toprovide a service to the UE 60. The SCEF 110 is equivalent to a servicecontrol device 20 in FIG. 1. The SCEF 110 is disposed between the MME100 and the AS 130.

The HSS 120 manages subscriber information (UE subscription information,a UE usage type, or the like) relating to the UE 60. The HSS 120connects to the MME 100 and the SCEF 110.

The AS 130 determines a transmittable data amount relating to the UE 60,specifically, at least one of a quota, rate control, and a chargingpolicy. The AS 130 determines at least one of a quota, rate control, anda charging policy for each UE. Note that a service capability server(SCS) may be used instead of the AS, and the servers may be referred toas an SCS/AS. The AS 130 transmits the determined transmittable dataamount to the MME 100 via the SCEF 110. Note that the AS 130 (or theSCS) may determine a tariff, and transmit the tariff to the MME 100 viathe SCEF 110.

Now, flow of processing of sending information relating to atransmission data amount according to Example Embodiment 2 is describedby using FIG. 3. First, the AS 130 determines, as a parameter relatingto the UE 60, at least one of a quota, rate control, and a chargingpolicy (S11). Note that the AS 130 may determine a tariff.

Next, the AS 130 transmits, to the SCEF 110, a set chargeable partyrequest message in which the parameter determined in step S11 is set(S12). Specifically, a quota, rate control, and a charging policy may beset in the set chargeable party request message as a CP parameter. Ratecontrol in this case is data control suggested by the AS 130 on a corenetwork. Herein, an example of a CP parameter is described by using FIG.4. Note that, when the AS 130 determines a tariff, the tariff may be setin the set chargeable party request message.

A CP parameter includes a periodic communication indicator, acommunication duration time, a periodic time, a scheduled communicationtime, and a stationary indication. Further, a quota, rate control, and acharging policy may be added to the CP parameter. The AS 130 maydetermine a value of at least one of the quota, the rate control, andthe charging policy, and set the determined value in the set chargeableparty request message as a CP parameter. Moreover, the AS 130 may set,in the set chargeable party request message, only a changed parameter,out of the periodic communication indicator, the communication durationtime, the periodic time, the scheduled communication time, thestationary indication, the quota, the rate control, and the chargingpolicy. Note that the AS 130 may determine a tariff, and include thetariff in the CP parameter.

Returning to FIG. 3, the SCEF 110 authenticates the set chargeable partyrequest message, in order to ensure application traffic relating to theAS 130 (S13). Next, the SCEF 110 sets the parameter determined in stepS11 in an update CP parameter request message as a CP parameter, andtransmits the CP parameter to the MME 100 (S14). Herein, the MME 100 mayhold the CP parameter set in the update CP parameter request message.Thereafter, the MME 100 transmits an update CP parameter responsemessage to the SCEF 110 (S15). Next, the SCEF 110 transmits a setchargeable party response message to the AS 130 (S16). Note that the AS130 may set the CP parameter determined in step S11 to a messagediffering from the set chargeable party request message, and thentransmit the message to the SCEF 110. The SCEF 110 may set the CPparameter to a message differing from the update CP parameter requestmessage, and then transmit the message to the MME 100. For example, a T8 set suggested network configuration request message may be usedinstead of the set chargeable party request message. A set suggestednetwork configuration request message may be used instead of the updateCP parameter request message. Moreover, a set suggested networkconfiguration response message may be used instead of the update CPparameter response message. A T 8 set suggested network configurationresponse message may be used instead of the set chargeable partyresponse message.

The MME 100 performs traffic control relating to user data transferredas control data transmitted from the UE 60 to the AS 130, by using atleast one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policy relating tothe UE 60. User data transferred as control data targeted for trafficcontrol may be, for example, IoT data, small data, or the like. Notethat, when receiving a tariff, the MME 100 may perform traffic controlin consideration of the tariff.

The MME 100 may perform traffic control relating to user data beingtransferred as control data transmitted from the UE 60, and beingtransferred as control data addressed to the AS 130. Further, the SCEF110 may perform traffic control relating to user data being transferredas control data transmitted from the AS 130, and being transferred ascontrol data addressed to the UE 60. In other words, the MME 100 mayperform traffic control in relation to uplink data, and the SCEF 110 mayperform traffic control in relation to downlink data. Thus, traffic or adata amount transferred in a core network can be reduced. Moreover, CPparameter relating to uplink data, and CP parameter relating to downlinkdata may be set to differing values. Thus, traffic control suited toeach of uplink data and downlink data can be performed.

Furthermore, the MME 100 may transmit, to the eNB 70, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy that has been held. Forexample, the MME 100 may set at least one of a quota, rate control, anda charging policy in a UE context setup request message or a handoverrequest message being a message transmitted to the eNB 70. In this case,instead of the MME 100, the eNB 70 can perform traffic control relatingto data transmitted from the UE 60 to the AS 130. The eNB 70 may performtraffic control relating to user data transmitted from the UE 60 to theAS 130, in addition to control data transmitted from the UE 60 to the AS130. Alternatively, the eNB 70 may only perform traffic control ofeither control data or user data. Note that when receiving a tariff, theMME 100 may transmit the tariff to the eNB 70. In this case, the eNB 70may perform traffic control in consideration of the tariff.

Furthermore, the MME 100 may transmit, to the UE 60, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy that has been held. Forexample, in attach processing or tracking area update (TAU) processing,the MME 100 may set at least one of a quota, rate control, and acharging policy in a message transmitted to the UE 60. In this case,instead of the MME 100, the UE 60 may perform traffic control relatingto data transmitted to the AS 130. The UE 60 may perform traffic controlrelating to user data transmitted to the AS 130, in addition to controldata transmitted to the AS 130. Alternatively, the UE 60 may onlyperform traffic control of either control data or user data. Note that,when receiving a tariff, the MME 100 may transmit the tariff to the UE60. In this case, the UE 60 may perform traffic control in considerationof the tariff.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the UE 60 includes a control unit61 and a communication unit 62. A component configuring the UE 60, suchas the control unit 61 and the communication unit 62, may be software ora module with which a processor executes processing by executing aprogram stored in a memory. Alternatively, a component configuring theUE 60 may be hardware such as a circuit or a chip.

The communication unit 62 receives at least one of a quota, ratecontrol, and a charging policy. Further, when transmitting data to theeNB 70, the control unit 61 performs traffic control for at least eithercontrol data or user data by using at least one of the received a quota,rate control, and charging policy. Note that, when receiving a tariff,the communication unit 62 may perform traffic control in considerationof the tariff.

As described above, the MME 100 according to Example Embodiment 2 canreceive, from the SCEF 110, at least one of a quota, rate control, and acharging policy. Further, the MME 100 can perform traffic controlrelating to control data transmitted from the UE 60 to the AS 130, byusing at least one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policy. Notethat, when receiving a tariff, the MME 100 can perform traffic controlin consideration of the tariff. Owing to this characteristic, the MME100 according to Example Embodiment 2 can perform traffic controlrelating to control data, in consideration of a traffic characteristicof an application operating between the AS 130 and the UE 60. Byperforming such control, the MME 100 according to Example Embodiment 2can reduce a possibility of occurrence of a problem that a serviceitself provided by the application fails to operate. The problem that aservice itself provided by the application fails to operate is caused byperforming traffic control which does not consider a trafficcharacteristic of an application operating between the AS 130 and the UE60.

Furthermore, the MME 100 may transmit, to the eNB 70 or the UE 60, atleast one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policy, and the eNB70 or the UE 60 may perform traffic control relating to control datatransmitted from the UE 60 to the AS 130.

Now, a modification example of Example Embodiment 2 is described. Flowof processing of sending information relating to a transmission dataamount according to the modification example of Example Embodiment 2 isdescribed by using FIG. 6. First, the AS 130 determines, as a parameterrelating to the UE 60, at least one of a quota, rate control, and acharging policy (S11_1). Note that each of the parameters may include atariff in the following description as in Embodiment 2, and detailsthereof are omitted.

Next, the AS 130 transmits, to the SCEF 110, an NIDD configurationrequest message in which the parameter determined in step S 11_1 is set(S12_1). The NIDD configuration request message may be a T 8 setsuggested network configuration request message. Rate control set in theNIDD configuration request message (S12_1) is data control suggested bythe AS 130 on a core network.

The SCEF 110 holds, as management data for the UE 60, the quota, therate control, and the charging policy set in the NIDD configurationrequest message (S12_1) (S13_1).

The SCEF 110 transmits, to the HSS 120, an NIDD authorization requestmessage in which at least one of the quota, the rate control, and thecharging policy is set as a parameter (S14_1). The quota, the ratecontrol, and the charging policy are set in the NIDD configurationrequest message (S12_1). The NIDD authorization request message may be aset suggested network configuration request message.

The HSS 120 holds, as subscriber data for the UE 60, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy relating to the UE 60. TheHSS 120 transmits an NIDD authorization response message to the SCEF 110(S15_1). At least one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policyrelating to the UE 60 updated by the HSS 120 may be set in the NIDDauthorization response message (S15_1). The HSS 120 may set a causeindicating a fact (reject) of being unable to receive at least one orall of the quota, the rate control, and the charging policy set in theNIDD authorization request message (S14_1). The NIDD authorizationresponse message may be a set suggested network configuration responsemessage.

The SCEF 110 transmits an NIDD configuration response message to the AS130 (S16_1). At least one of the quota, the rate control, and thecharging policy relating to the UE 60 updated by the HSS 120 may be setin the NIDD configuration response message (S16_1). The SCEF 110 may seta cause indicating a fact (reject) of being unable to receive at leastone or all of the quota, the rate control, and the charging policy setin the NIDD configuration request message (S12_1). The NIDDconfiguration request message may be a T 8 set suggested networkconfiguration response message.

As described above, the HSS 120 according to the modification example ofExample Embodiment 2 can receive, from the SCEF 110, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy. Further, through movementmanagement of the UE 60 operating after completion of this operation,and session management, the HSS 120 becomes able to send at least one ofthe quota, the rate control, and the charging policy to the SCEF 110,the PGW 90, and the UE 60. Moreover, the HSS 120 can perform, inconsideration of a traffic characteristic of an application operatingbetween the AS 130 and the UE 60, traffic control relating to datatransmitted from the UE 60 to the AS 130, and user data transmitted fromthe AS 130 to the UE 60. When sending at least one of the quota, therate control, and the charging policy to the SCEF 110, the HSS 120 mayuse an insert subscriber data request message. Moreover, when sending atleast one of the quota, the rate control, and the charging policy to theUE 60, the HSS 120 may send via the SCEF 110 by using protocolconfiguration option (PCO). By performing traffic control inconsideration of a traffic characteristic of an application operatingbetween the AS 130 and the UE 60, the SCEF 110, the PGW 90, and the UE60 according to the modification example of Example Embodiment 2 canreduce a possibility of occurrence of a problem that a service itselfprovided by the application fails to operate. The problem that a serviceitself provided by the application fails to operate is caused byperforming traffic control which does not consider a trafficcharacteristic of an application operating between the AS 130 and the UE60.

Additionally, the MME 100 may transmit, to the eNB 70 or the UE 60, atleast one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policy, and the eNB70 or the UE 60 may perform traffic control relating to user datatransmitted from the UE 60 to the AS 130.

Furthermore, although the above description mainly describes aconfiguration using LTE as a wireless communication method and using EPCas a core network, processing in FIGS. 3 and 6 may be executed in acommunication system so called 3G in 3GPP. Specifically, in acommunication system called 3G, a node B (NB) is used instead of an eNB,and a serving general packet radio service support node (SGSN) is usedinstead of an MME. Further, in a communication system called 3G, agateway general packet radio service support node (GGSN) is used insteadof a PGW, and a home location register (HLR) is used instead of an HSS.In the following description as well, a communication system of 3G maybe used.

Example Embodiment 3

Now, flow of processing of sending information relating to atransmission data amount according to Example Embodiment 3 is describedby using FIG. 7. Steps S 21 to S 23 are similar to steps S 11 to S 13 inFIG. 3, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

When authenticating an AS 130 in Step S 23, an SCEF 110 sends, to a PGW90, a parameter being set in a set chargeable party request message, andbeing determined in step S 21 (S24). The PGW 90 holds the receivedparameter. Thereafter, the PGW 90 transmits a response message to theSCEF 110 (S25). Next, the SCEF 110 transmits a set chargeable partyresponse message to the AS 130 (S26).

The PGW 90 performs traffic control relating to user data transmittedfrom UE 60 to the AS 130, by using at least one of a quota, ratecontrol, and a charging policy relating to the UE 60. User data targetedfor traffic control may be, for example, IoT data. Further, the PGW 90may perform traffic control relating to user data transmitted from theAS 130 to the AS UE 60.

Furthermore, the PGW 90 may transmit, to an SGW 80, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy that has been held. In thiscase, the SGW 80, instead of the PGW 90, may perform traffic controlrelating to data transmitted from the AS UE 60 to the AS 130, and thePGW 90 may perform traffic control relating to data transmitted from theAS 130 to the AS UE 60.

As described above, the PGW 90 according to Example Embodiment 3 canreceive, from the SCEF 110, at least one of a quota, rate control, and acharging policy. Further, the PGW 90 or the SGW 80 can perform trafficcontrol relating to user data transmitted from the UE 60 to the AS 130,by using at least one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policy.Traffic control relating to user data transmitted from the UE 60 to theAS 130 is performed in consideration of a traffic characteristic of anapplication operating between the AS 130 and the UE 60. By performingtraffic control in consideration of a traffic characteristic of anapplication operating between the AS 130 and the UE 60, the PGW 90according to Example Embodiment 3 can reduce a possibility of occurrenceof a problem that a service itself provided by the application fails tooperate. The problem that a service itself provided by the applicationfails to operate is caused by performing traffic control which does notconsider a traffic characteristic of an application operating betweenthe AS 130 and the UE 60.

Example Embodiment 4

Now, a configuration example of a communication system according toExample Embodiment 4 is described by using FIG. 8. The communicationsystem in FIG. 8 refers to 3GPP TS 23.501 V 0.5.0 (2017-05) FIG.4.2.3_1, and mainly illustrates a configuration of 5G core (5GC). Thecommunication system in FIG. 8 includes UE 200, an access network (AN)210, a user plane function (UPF) entity 220 (hereinafter, referred to asa UPF 220), an authentication server function (AUSF) 230, an access andmobility management function (AMF) entity 240 (hereinafter, referred toas an AMF 240), a session management function (SMF) entity 250(hereinafter, referred to as an SMF 250), a network exposure function(NEF) entity 260 (hereinafter, referred to as an NEF 260), a networkrepository function or network functions repository function (NRF)entity 270 (hereinafter, referred to as an NRF 270), a policy controlfunction (PCF) entity 280 (hereinafter, referred to as a PCF 280), aunified data management (UDM) 290, an application function (AF) entity300 (hereinafter, referred to as an AF 300), and a data network (DN)310. The AN 210 may be indicated as a (radio (R)) AN 210.

The UE 200 is equivalent to UE 60 in FIG. 2. The AN 210 includes a basestation or the like communicating with the UE 200. The AN 210 mayperform wireless communication or wired communication with the UE 200.The base station or the like included in the AN 210 is equivalent to aneNB 70 in FIG. 2.

The UPF 220 is disposed between the AN 210 and the DN 310 being anexternal network. The UPF 220 performs routing or transfer of user databetween the AN 210 and the DN 310. The UPF 220 is equivalent to an SGW80 and a PGW 90 in FIG. 2.

The AMF 240 performs mobility management relating to the UE 200, andauthentication processing relating to the UE 200 in cooperation with theAUSF 230 and the like. The SMF 250 manages a session established whenuser data are transferred between the UE 200 and the DN 310. The AMF 240and the SMF 250 are equivalent to an MME 100 in FIG. 2.

The PCF 280 manages a policy rule applied in the communication system inFIG. 8. The UDM 290 manages subscriber information (UE subscription orsubscription information). The UDM 290 is equivalent to an HSS 120 inFIG. 2.

The AF 300 provides an application service to the UE 200. The AUSF 230performs authentication relating to the UE 200 in cooperation with theAMF 240 and the UDM 290.

The NEF 260 executes authentication processing and the like relating tothe AF 300 disposed on an external network. Further, the NEF 260transmits, to the AF 300, a parameter relating to the UE 200. The NEF260 is equivalent to an SCEF 110 in FIG. 2. The NRF 270 managesinformation relating to a service that can be provided to the UE 200.The DN 310 indicates that the network is an external network differingfrom a core network.

Furthermore, an N 1 is determined as a reference point between the UE200 and the AMF 240. An N 2 is determined as a reference point betweenthe AN 210 and the AMF 240. An N 3 is determined as a reference pointbetween the AN 210 and the UPF 220. An N 4 is determined as a referencepoint between the UPF 220 and the SMF 250. An N 6 is determined as areference point between the UPF 220 and the DN 310.

Additionally, the AUSF 230, the AMF 240, the SMF 250, the NEF 260, theNRF 270, the PCF 280, the UDM 290, and the AF 300 each determine aservice-based interface. The service-based interface indicates, forexample, a service, a function, or the like provided in each device.

The service-based interface determined in the AUSF 230 is represented asNausf. The service-based interface determined in the AMF 240 isrepresented as Namf. The service-based interface determined in the SMF250 is represented as Nsmf. The service-based interface determined inthe NEF 260 is represented as Nnef. The service-based interfacedetermined in the NRF 270 is represented as Nnrf. The service-basedinterface determined in the PCF 280 is represented as Npcf. Theservice-based interface determined in the UDM 290 is represented asNudm. The service-based interface determined in the AF 300 isrepresented as Naf.

Now, flow of processing of sending information relating to atransmission data amount according to Example Embodiment 4 is describedby using FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates that processing in FIG. 3 isexecuted in the communication system illustrated in FIG. 8. In otherwords, FIG. 9 illustrates that each piece of processing in FIG. 3 isexecuted by using 5GC in FIG. 8. Steps S 31 to S 36 in FIG. 9 aresimilar to steps S 11 to S 16 in FIG. 3, and therefore, detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

Furthermore, although FIG. 9 illustrates that the same signal as that inFIG. 3 is used, a name of a signal may be changed. Moreover, a signaltransferred between the AMF 240 and the NEF 260 may be transferred viathe PCF 280. For example, an update CP parameter request message in stepS 34 and an update CP parameter response message in step S 35 may betransferred via the PCF 280.

Furthermore, the AMF 240 may transmit, to the AN 210, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy that has been held. Forexample, the AMF 240 may set at least one of a quota, rate control, anda charging policy in a message transmitted to the AN 210. In this case,instead of the AMF 240, the AN 210 may perform traffic control relatingto data transmitted from the UE 200 to the AF 300. The AN 210 mayperform traffic control relating to user data transmitted from the UE200 to the AF 300, in addition to control data transmitted from the UE200 to the AF 300. The control data transmitted from the UE 200 to theAF 300 may be user data transferred as control data. Alternatively, theAN 210 may only perform traffic control of either control data or userdata.

Furthermore, the AMF 240 may transmit, to the UE 200, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy that has been held. Forexample, in attach processing or tracking area update (TAU) processing,the AMF 240 may set at least one of a quota, rate control, and acharging policy in a message transmitted to the UE 200. In this case,instead of the AMF 240, the UE 200 may perform traffic control relatingto data transmitted to the AF 300. The UE 200 may perform trafficcontrol relating to user data transmitted to the AF 300, in addition tocontrol data transmitted to the AF 300. Alternatively, the UE 200 mayonly perform traffic control of either control data or user data.

Furthermore, in order for the UPF 220 to perform traffic control of userdata, flow of processing of sending information relating to atransmission data amount illustrated in FIG. 10 may be used. FIG. 10illustrates that processing in FIG. 7 is executed in the communicationsystem illustrated in FIG. 8. In other words, FIG. 10 illustrates thateach piece of processing in FIG. 7 is executed by using 5GC in FIG. 8.Steps S 41 to S 46 in FIG. 10 are similar to steps S 21 to S 26 in FIG.7, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

As described above, in 5GC in Example Embodiment 4 as well, the AMF 240can perform, in consideration of a traffic characteristic of anapplication operating between the AF 300 and the UE 200, traffic controlrelating to user data transferred as control data. The AMF 240 isequivalent to the MME 100. Further, the UPF 220 can perform trafficcontrol relating to user data, in consideration of a trafficcharacteristic of an application operating between the AF 300 and the UE200. By performing such control, the AMF 240 and the UPF 220 can reducea possibility of occurrence of a problem that a service itself providedby the application fails to operate. The problem that a service itselfprovided by the application fails to operate is caused by performingtraffic control which does not consider a traffic characteristic of anapplication operating between the AF 300 and the UE 200.

Now, a modification example of Example Embodiment 4 is described. Flowof processing of sending information relating to a transmission dataamount according to the modification example of Example Embodiment 4 isdescribed by using FIG. 11. First, the AF 300 determines, as a parameterrelating to the UE 200, at least one of a quota, rate control, and acharging policy (S31_1).

Next, the AF 300 transmits, to the NEF 260, an NIDD configurationrequest message in which the parameter determined in step S 31_1 is set(S32_1). The NIDD configuration request message may be a T 8 setsuggested network configuration request message.

The NEF 260 holds, as management data for the UE 200, the quota, therate control, and the charging policy set in the NIDD configurationrequest message (S32_1) (S33_1).

The NEF 260 transmits an NIDD authorization request message to the UDM290 (S34_1). At least one of the quota, the rate control, and thecharging policy set in the NIDD configuration request message (S32_1) isset in the NIDD authorization request message as a parameter. The NIDDauthorization request message may be a set suggested networkconfiguration request message.

The UDM 290 holds, as subscriber data for the UE 200, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy relating to the UE 200. TheUDM 290 transmits an NIDD authorization response message to the NEF 260(S35_1). At least one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policyrelating to the UE 200 updated by the UDM 290 may be set in the NIDDauthorization response message (S35_1). The UDM 290 may set a causeindicating a fact (reject) of being unable to receive at least one orall of the quota, the rate control, and the charging policy set in theNIDD authorization request message (S34_1). The NIDD authorizationresponse message may be a set suggested network configuration responsemessage.

The NEF 260 transmits an NIDD configuration response message to the AF300 (S36_1). At least one of the quota, the rate control, and thecharging policy relating to the UE 200 updated by the UDM 290 may be setin the NIDD configuration response message (S36_1). The NEF 260 may seta cause indicating a fact (reject) of being unable to receive at leastone or all of the quota, the rate control, and the charging policy setin the NIDD configuration request message (S32_1). The NIDDconfiguration request message may be a T 8 set suggested networkconfiguration response message.

As described above, the UDM 290 according to the modification example ofExample Embodiment 4 can receive, from the NEF 260, at least one of aquota, rate control, and a charging policy. Further, through movementmanagement of the UE 200 operating after completion of this operation,and session management, the UDM 290 becomes able to send at least one ofthe quota, the rate control, and the charging policy to the AMF 240, theUPF 220, and the UE 200. Moreover, the UDM 290 can perform, inconsideration of a traffic characteristic of an application operatingbetween the AF 300 and the UE 200, traffic control relating to datatransmitted from the UE 200 to the AF 300, and user data transmittedfrom the AF 300 to the UE 200. When sending at least one of the quota,the rate control, and the charging policy to the AMF 240, the UDM 290may use an insert subscriber data request message. Moreover, whensending at least one of the quota, the rate control, and the chargingpolicy to the UE 200, the UDM 290 may send via the AMF 240 by using aprotocol configuration option (PCO) parameter. By performing trafficcontrol in consideration of a traffic characteristic of an applicationoperating between the AF 300 and the UE 200, the AMF 240, the UPF 220,and the UE 200 according to the modification example of ExampleEmbodiment 4 can reduce a possibility of occurrence of a problem that aservice itself provided by the application fails to operate. Thepossibility of occurrence of problem that a service itself provided bythe application fails to operate is caused by performing traffic controlwhich does not consider a traffic characteristic of an applicationoperating between the AF 300 and the UE 200.

Additionally, the AMF 240 may transmit, to the AN 210 or the UE 200, atleast one of a quota, rate control, and a charging policy. In this case,the AN 210 or the UE 200 may perform traffic control relating to userdata which are transferred, assuming that the user data are transmittedfrom the UE 200 to the AF 300.

Now, configuration examples of the control device 10, the UE 60, and theUE 200 described in the plurality of above-described example embodimentsare described below by using FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating configuration examples of the UE60 and the UE 200. A radio frequency (RF) transceiver 1101 performsanalog RF signal processing in order to communicate with an eNB or agNB. The analog RF signal processing performed by the RF transceiver1101 includes frequency up conversion, frequency down conversion, andamplification. The RF transceiver 1101 is coupled to an antenna 1102 anda baseband processor 1103. In other words, the RF transceiver 1101receives modulation symbol data (or orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) symbol data) from the baseband processor 1103,generates a transmission RF signal, and supplies the transmission RFsignal to the antenna 1102. Moreover, the RF transceiver 1101 generatesa baseband reception signal, based on a reception RF signal received bythe antenna 1102, and supplies the baseband reception signal to thebaseband processor 1103.

The baseband processor 1103 performs digital baseband signal processing(data plane processing) and control plane processing for wirelesscommunication. The digital baseband signal processing includes (a) datacompression/restoration, (b) segmentation/concatenation of data, (c)generation/decomposition of a transfer format (transfer frame), (d)transfer path coding/decoding, (e) modulation (symbolmapping)/demodulation, (f) generation of OFDM symbol data (a basebandOFDM signal) by inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), and the like. Onthe other hand, the control plane processing includes communicationmanagement of a layer 1 (e.g., transmission power control), a layer 2(e.g., wireless resource management, and hybrid automatic repeat request(HARQ) processing), and a layer 3 (e.g., signaling relating to attach,mobility, and call management).

For example, in a case of LTE and LTE-Advanced, the baseband signalprocessing by the baseband processor 1103 may include signal processingof a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control(RLC) layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer. Moreover, the control planeprocessing by the baseband processor 1103 may include processing of anon-access stratum (NAS) protocol, an RRC protocol, and a MAC CE.

The baseband processor 1103 may include a modem processor (e.g., digitalsignal processor (DSP)) which performs digital baseband signalprocessing, and a protocol stack processor (e.g., central processingunit (CPU)) which performs control plane processing, or a microprocessing unit (MPU)). In this case, the protocol stack processor whichperforms control plane processing and an application processor 1104 maybe formed into a common processor.

The application processor 1104 is also referred to as a CPU, an MPU, amicroprocessor, or a processor core. The application processor 1104 mayinclude a plurality of processors (a plurality of processor cores). Theapplication processor 1104 implements various functions of the UE 60 andthe UE 200 by executing a system software program (an operating system(OS)) and various application programs read from a memory 1106 or anon-illustrated memory. An application program may be, for example, acall application, a Web browser, a mailer, a camera operationapplication, or a music playback application.

In several implementations, the baseband processor 1103 and theapplication processor 1104 may be integrated on one chip, as indicatedby a broken line (1105) in FIG. 12. In other words, the basebandprocessor 1103 and the application processor 1104 may be implemented asone system on chip (SoC) device 1105. The SoC device may be alsoreferred to as a system large scale integration (LSI) or a chip set.

The memory 1106 is a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or is acombination thereof. The memory 1106 may include a plurality ofphysically independent memory devices. A volatile memory is, forexample, a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic RAM (DRAM),or is a combination thereof. A non-volatile memory is a mask read onlymemory (MROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), aflash memory, or a hard disk drive, or is any combination thereof. Forexample, the memory 1106 may include an external memory deviceaccessible from the baseband processor 1103, the application processor1104, and the SoC 1105. The memory 1106 may include an internal memorydevice integrated in the baseband processor 1103, the applicationprocessor 1104, or the SoC 1105. Further, the memory 1106 may include amemory in a universal integrated circuit card (UICC).

The memory 1106 may store a software module (computer program) includingan instruction group and data for performing processing by the UE 60described in the plurality of above-described example embodiments. Inseveral implementations, the baseband processor 1103 or the applicationprocessor 1104 may be configured in such a way as to perform processingof the UE 60 and the UE 200 described in the above-described exampleembodiments, by reading and then executing the software module from thememory 1106.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of thecontrol device 10. Referring to FIG. 13, the control device 10 includesa network interface 1201, a processor 1202, and a memory 1203. Thenetwork interface 1201 is used in order to communicate with anothernetwork node device configuring a communication system. The networkinterface 1201 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC)compliant with an IEEE 802.3 series.

The processor 1202 performs processing of the control device 10described by using a sequence diagram and a flowchart in theabove-described example embodiments, by reading and then executingsoftware (computer program) from the memory 1203. The processor 1202 maybe, for example, a microprocessor, a micro processing unit (MPU), or acentral processing unit (CPU). The processor 1202 may include aplurality of processors.

The memory 1203 is configured by a combination of a volatile memory anda non-volatile memory. The memory 1203 may include a storage disposedaway from the processor 1202. In this case, the processor 1202 mayaccess the memory 1203 via a non-illustrated I/O interface.

In the example of FIG. 13, the memory 1203 is used in order to store asoftware module group. The processor 1202 can perform processing of thecontrol device 10 described in the above-described example embodiments,by reading and then executing the software module group from the memory1203.

As described by using FIG. 13, each of the processors included in thecontrol device 10 executes one or more programs including an instructiongroup for causing a computer to perform an algorithm described by usingthe drawings.

In the example described above, a program can be stored by using varioustypes of non-transitory computer readable media, and supplied to acomputer. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes varioustypes of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computerreadable media include a magnetic recording medium, a magnet-opticalrecording medium, a read only memory (CD-ROM), a CD-R, a CD-R/W, and asemiconductor memory. A magnetic recording medium may be, for example, aflexible disk, a magnetic tape, or a hard disk drive. A magnet-opticalrecording medium may be, for example, a magnet-optical disk. Asemiconductor memory may be, for example, a mask ROM, a programmable ROM(PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), a flash ROM, or a random access memory(RAM). Moreover, a program may be supplied to a computer by varioustypes of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitorycomputer readable media include an electric signal, an optical signal,and an electromagnetic wave. A non-transitory computer readable mediumcan supply a program to a computer via a wired communication path suchas an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communicationpath.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-describedexample embodiments, and can be suitably modified without departing fromthe spirit thereof. Moreover, the present disclosure may be implementedby suitably combining the respective example embodiments.

While the invention of the present application has been described withreference to the example embodiments, the invention of the presentapplication is not limited by the above description. Various changesthat may be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to aconfiguration and details of the invention of the present applicationwithin the scope of the invention.

Some or all of the above-described example embodiments may be alsodescribed as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

(Supplementary Note 1)

A control device including:

a communication unit configured to receive, via a service control devicewhich authenticates an application server providing a service to acommunication terminal, information relating to a transmittable dataamount determined in the application server; and

a control unit configured to execute, by using the information relatingto the transmittable data amount, traffic control on data transmittedfrom the communication terminal.

(Supplementary Note 2)

The control device according to Supplementary note 1, wherein theinformation relating to the transmittable data amount includes at leastone of a quota, rate control, and a charging policy.

(Supplementary Note 3)

The control device according to Supplementary note 1 or 2, wherein thecontrol unit refuses transmission of data exceeding a data amountpredetermined in the information relating to the transmittable dataamount.

(Supplementary Note 4)

The control device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 3,wherein the control unit executes traffic control on Internet of Things(IoT) data transmitted from the communication terminal as C-plane dataor U-plane data.

(Supplementary Note 5)

The control device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 4,wherein the communication unit transmits the information relating to thetransmittable data amount to at least either the communication terminalor a base station.

(Supplementary Note 6)

A communication terminal including:

a communication unit configured to receive, via a service control deviceand a control device which authenticate an application server providinga service to the communication terminal, information relating to atransmittable data amount determined in the application server; and

a control unit configured to execute, by using the information relatingto the transmittable data amount, traffic control on data to betransmitted.

(Supplementary Note 7)

A control method being executed in a control device, the control methodincluding:

receiving, via a service control device which authenticates anapplication server providing a service to a communication terminal,information relating to a transmittable data amount determined in theapplication server; and

executing, by using the information relating to the transmittable dataamount, traffic control on data transmitted from the communicationterminal.

(Supplementary Note 8)

A program which causes a computer to execute:

receiving, via a service control device which authenticates anapplication server providing a service to a communication terminal,information relating to a transmittable data amount determined in theapplication server; and

executing, by using the information relating to the transmittable dataamount, traffic control on data transmitted from the communicationterminal.

(Supplementary Note 9)

A method for a mobility management entity (MME) including:

receiving a CP parameter relating to uplink data or a CP parameterrelating to downlink data from a service capability exposure function(SCEF) node via a home subscriber server (HSS); and

holding the CP parameter relating to the uplink data or the CP parameterrelating to the downlink data.

(Supplementary Note 10)

The method for the MME according to Supplementary note 9, furtherincluding transmitting, to a base station, the CP parameter relating tothe uplink data or the CP parameter relating to the downlink data.

(Supplementary Note 11)

The method for the MME according to Supplementary note 10, furtherincluding providing, for control of a transfer resource, the basestation with the CP parameter relating to the uplink data or the CPparameter relating to the downlink data.

(Supplementary Note 12)

The method for the MME according to Supplementary note 10 or 11, whereinthe base station is an evolved Node B (eNB).

(Supplementary Note 13)

A mobility management entity (MME) including:

a means for receiving a CP parameter relating to uplink data or a CPparameter relating to downlink data from a service capability exposurefunction (SCEF) node via a home subscriber server (HSS); and

a means for holding the CP parameter relating to the uplink data or theCP parameter relating to the downlink data.

(Supplementary Note 14)

The MME according to Supplementary note 13, further including a meansfor transmitting, to a base station, the CP parameter relating to theuplink data or the CP parameter relating to the downlink data.

(Supplementary Note 15)

The MME according to Supplementary note 14, wherein the base station isprovided, for control of a transfer resource, with the CP parameterrelating to the uplink data or the CP parameter relating to the downlinkdata.

(Supplementary Note 16)

The MME according to Supplementary note 14 or 15, wherein the basestation is an evolved Node B (eNB).

(Supplementary Note 17)

A method for a base station, including:

receiving a CP parameter relating to uplink data or a CP parameterrelating to downlink data from a mobility management entity (MME); and

using, for control of a transfer resource, the CP parameter relating tothe uplink data or the CP parameter relating to the downlink data.

(Supplementary Note 18)

The method for the base station according to Supplementary note 17,wherein

the base station is an evolved Node B (eNB).

(Supplementary Note 19)

A base station including:

a means for receiving a CP parameter relating to uplink data or a CPparameter relating to downlink data from a mobility management entity(MME); and

a means for using, for control of a transfer resource, the CP parameterrelating to the uplink data or the CP parameter relating to the downlinkdata.

(Supplementary Note 20)

The base station according to Supplementary note 19, wherein

the base station is an evolved Node B (eNB).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10 CONTROL DEVICE-   11 CONTROL UNIT-   12 COMMUNICATION UNIT-   20 SERVICE CONTROL DEVICE-   30 APPLICATION SERVER-   40 BASE STATION-   50 COMMUNICATION TERMINAL-   60 UE-   61 CONTROL UNIT-   62 COMMUNICATION UNIT-   70 eNB-   80 SGW-   90 PGW-   95 PCRF-   100 MME-   110 SCEF-   120 HSS-   130 AS-   200 UE-   210 AN-   220 UPF-   230 AUSF-   240 AMF-   250 SMF-   260 NEF-   270 NRF-   280 PCF-   290 UDM-   300 AF-   310 DN

1. A method of a communication terminal, the method comprising:receiving a rate control parameter sent from a management apparatus of acore network; and using the rate control parameter as a limit of uplinkuser data that is sent on a control plane.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the rate control parameter indicates limiting thenumber of messages that the communication terminal sends during apredetermined period.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein thecommunication terminal limits the number of messages that thecommunication terminal sends during a predetermined period by using therate control parameter.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein thecommunication terminal limits a rate of the uplink user data by usingthe rate control parameter.
 5. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe communication terminal comprises an Internet of Things (IoT)terminal.
 6. A communication terminal comprising: a receiver configuredto receive a rate control parameter sent from a management apparatus ofa core network; and a processor configured to use the rate controlparameter as a limit of uplink user data that is sent on a controlplane.
 7. The communication terminal according to claim 6, wherein therate control parameter indicates limiting the number of messages thatare sent during a predetermined period.
 8. The communication terminalaccording to claim 6, wherein the processor limits the number ofmessages that are sent during a predetermined period by using the ratecontrol parameter.
 9. The communication terminal according to claim 6,wherein the processor limits a rate of the uplink user data by using therate control parameter.
 10. The communication terminal according toclaim 6, wherein the communication terminal comprises an Internet ofThings (IoT) terminal.